AAAA News

New Mandatory Data Sharing Law to Transform Automotive Repair Industry

29 October 2019

In a landmark day for the Australian vehicle service and repair
industry, the Australian Government has today announced they will introduce a mandatory
data sharing law.

To ensure fair competition for small businesses and consumers a
mandatory data sharing law will ensure independent workshops have access to all
motor vehicle service and repair information at a fair price. This law will provide
a level playing field in the sector and allow consumers to have their vehicle
safely repaired by the repairer of their choice.

The announcement is also a huge moment for the Australian
Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) who has long championed the Choice of
Repairer campaign on behalf of their members and the wider industry.

“This is an incredible result for our members, who came to us with
their concerns, put competitive rivalries aside and fought alongside us to have
the law changed for their customers, their businesses and the wider industry,”
said Stuart Charity, CEO of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association.

“It is also an important win for consumers. Our Choice of Repairer
campaign has sought to increase community awareness around consumers right to choose
their repairer, and their new car warranty and servicing rights.”

“This announcement has been a long road and is the culmination of
tireless work by the AAAA team to push for Government action to address this
important competition issue. We have personally met with over 75 Federal MP’s,
facilitated hundreds of workshop visits by MP’s all around the country and had countless
early morning and late-night discussions with Ministers and other industry
stakeholders.”

“This has been an industry wide effort and I would like to
acknowledge the invaluable role played by automotive industry associations – Motor
Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), Australian Automotive Dealer Association
(AADA), Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC), Australian Automobile Association
(AAA), and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).”

“I’d like to personally thank the Assistant Treasurer Hon. Michael
Sukkar for his leadership on this issue and commitment to introduce a mandatory
data sharing law that will benefit small businesses in the automotive service
industry as well as every Australian car owner.”

“We look forward to seeing progress on an exposure draft and we
will review every word to ensure that car manufacturers are not able to wriggle
though any loopholes that would prevent or restrict consumer choice and
ultimately harm competition,” said Stuart.